Tags: Zero Waste; Minimalism
Body lotion is dangerous (just kidding) and a waste of time, money, and resources, when there are soaps and body washes out there that don't dry your skin. Here are four that I've tried that have worked for me.
EO Shower Gel
This is the body wash I currently use. I buy it in the gallon bulk-sized container and re-use the pump, which you have to buy separately. In a two adult household, it lasts us 6 months when we use these recycled plastic shower poufs*. These shower poufs also double as body exfoliators. I also use this soap in a foaming soap dispenser next to the sink for hand washing.
EO 3-In-1 Soap
This liquid soap can be used as body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath. I've tried it for all three and it works pretty well.
Chagrin Valley Dry Skin Soaps
I haven't tried all of these, but the ones I did try worked and this is the only soap bar I've tried where I didn't need to put on lotion afterwards.
Branch Basics All-Purpose Soap
To use this one, you will need to dilute it in a foaming soap dispenser at one part soap and five parts water. They also sell a reusable foaming dispenser. I personally wasn't happy with this option in the long run, because I felt I had to use a lot of the foam to get the job done. I tried using it in a regular soap dispenser, but it is so watery that a lot of it ends up going down the drain before you can get it from the soap dispenser to you body. I've thought about trying a squeeze bottle to squeeze the soap directly on the body.
*They have smaller versions now too, but I haven't tried them yet.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Saturday, January 9, 2016
Zero Waste Market Kit
Tags: Zero Waste
Here's my zero waste market kit and I love it!
I use an insulated market basket* with the soft cover and before I leave to go grocery shopping, I make sure it's filled with glass jars for the bulk bins, grocery bags, coupons from my co-op, and a wax crayon to mark my glass jars with PLU numbers. I put my market basket in the shopping cart and pull things out as needed. When groceries are being bagged, I make sure that the frozen/cold items go in the insulated market basket.
Here are a couple of storage ideas for produce bags:
Here's my zero waste market kit and I love it!
Here are a couple of storage ideas for produce bags:
For both of these options, you can just pull produce bags out of the top as you need them, making it very convenient. Also for convenience sake, I use grocery bags that also fit in a stuff sack. I like the bags that have shoulder straps; I can carry more bags into the house that way and still have my hands free to unlock the door.
For the bulk bins I use glass canning jars: 24 oz jars for most bulk items and 4 oz jars for spices and small quantities. I use a wax crayon to write the PLU and tare weight on the jar lid.
I use a lid with nothing pre-printed on it, so I have more room to write. With this special lid, the tare weight of the 24 oz jar is 0.90 lbs. With the original lid, it is 0.88 lbs. The tare weight for my 4 oz jar is 0.31 lbs. Some grocery stores can't subtract the high tare weights of glass jars, so always check first.
* Use this market basket for more than just the grocery store. Use it as a cooler for camping or picnics. Use it for potlucks. Use if for non-food purposes like transporting items that need some protection and the stability of a flat-bottomed container.
Sources: Bea Johnson is the originator of the washable crayon idea. For the produce bags in the glass jar, I got that idea from seeing another blogger use this idea for handkerchiefs.
Friday, January 8, 2016
The Cheapest Way to Have a Bidet and Eliminate the Need for Toilet Paper
Tags: Zero Waste
This is so ingenious, I don't know why more people don't do this. For an investment of less than $15 you can have a clean, fresh bum whenever you want. How's that? With a travel bidet!
Just fill the travel bidet with warm water and even a little soap, do your business, bidet away, and then dry off with a towel.
This is one of those things that is certainly not going to work for everyone, but it's such a small investment, it's worth a try. I feel that the fact that you can add soap to it makes it more possible to work for everyone. You could even have one for washing and one for rinsing (or if your toilet is next to your sink, just fill it with rinsing water).
Nothing beats the clean feel of actually washing you bum instead of just wiping it with toilet paper.
For the drying off part, there are so many options. Just use your bath towel if you are confident in you cleanliness. Or, use a dedicated hand towel that has its own place to hang to dry. I use individual wipes or wash cloths. Used wipes go in an enamelware soaking container until wash time.
Update: Works for menstrual cycles too.
This is so ingenious, I don't know why more people don't do this. For an investment of less than $15 you can have a clean, fresh bum whenever you want. How's that? With a travel bidet!
Just fill the travel bidet with warm water and even a little soap, do your business, bidet away, and then dry off with a towel.
This is one of those things that is certainly not going to work for everyone, but it's such a small investment, it's worth a try. I feel that the fact that you can add soap to it makes it more possible to work for everyone. You could even have one for washing and one for rinsing (or if your toilet is next to your sink, just fill it with rinsing water).
Nothing beats the clean feel of actually washing you bum instead of just wiping it with toilet paper.
For the drying off part, there are so many options. Just use your bath towel if you are confident in you cleanliness. Or, use a dedicated hand towel that has its own place to hang to dry. I use individual wipes or wash cloths. Used wipes go in an enamelware soaking container until wash time.
Update: Works for menstrual cycles too.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Observations About My Minimalism Journey
Tags: Minimalism
Someone I know who know's I'm on this minimalism journey reached out to me, because they want to start their own journey of decluttering. It feels overwhelming to give someone you know direct advice about something so complex, so I started to just think about what observations I've made about my own journey:
It took a few years of commitment in my mind, before I saw much results in commitment in action. I really wanted to be a minimalist, but it is hard to get rid of things and even harder to stop buying things. Nothing changed for me overnight. Things changed slowly over four year time period and they continue to improve now.
It has been harder to be a minimalist during times when I didn't feel financially secure. When I felt it would be easy to replace something that I might regret getting rid of, it was easier to get rid of it.
Digitally archiving sentimental items makes it a lot easier. Although it takes up valuable time, making videos about my artwork that I was getting rid of and scanning old photos, made it much easier to get rid of them, which is the ultimate goal.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is the best book on minimalism and decluttering. This book spoke the truth to me and it was enjoyable to read and implement.
Peace, Love, and Tidying Up!
Someone I know who know's I'm on this minimalism journey reached out to me, because they want to start their own journey of decluttering. It feels overwhelming to give someone you know direct advice about something so complex, so I started to just think about what observations I've made about my own journey:
It took a few years of commitment in my mind, before I saw much results in commitment in action. I really wanted to be a minimalist, but it is hard to get rid of things and even harder to stop buying things. Nothing changed for me overnight. Things changed slowly over four year time period and they continue to improve now.
It has been harder to be a minimalist during times when I didn't feel financially secure. When I felt it would be easy to replace something that I might regret getting rid of, it was easier to get rid of it.
Digitally archiving sentimental items makes it a lot easier. Although it takes up valuable time, making videos about my artwork that I was getting rid of and scanning old photos, made it much easier to get rid of them, which is the ultimate goal.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up is the best book on minimalism and decluttering. This book spoke the truth to me and it was enjoyable to read and implement.
Peace, Love, and Tidying Up!
Sunday, December 27, 2015
Three Break-Resistant Dishware Options
Tags: Zero Waste; Buy It For Life
Dropping a dish or a glass in the kitchen and watching it shatter seems to be a rite-of-passage to being human. How many pieces a person breaks in a given year or decade can vary; with the naturally clumsy needing to either replace their dishware set on a regular basis or live with an array of mismatched cups, plates, and bowls accumulated over the years.
Another problem with dishware is it is often sold in sets with pre-determined numbers of each piece and in styles that do not stand the test of time. Companies that produce classic styles, where you can buy the pieces individually to meet your own needs, is much better for the zero waste and minimalist lifestyle.
For those wanting to invest in dishware and glassware that will likely last their whole life, I would like to showcase three options*. And one of the options is actually widely available and not so expensive!
Corelle Livingware
Corelle Livingware has been around since the 1970's. It is made from a special kind of tempered glass called Vitrelle. Corelle dishware is very thin and stackable, making it a great choice if you don't want your dishware to take up a lot of space. Winter Frost White is the most timeless style sold by Corelle, and you should be able to buy replacement items in that style many years in the future. Corelle can be bought in sets or as individual pieces. Corelle is very affordable and can be bought from World Kitchen, or Target. Both World Kitchen and Target have Corelle available to buy online or in brick-and-mortar stores. One important thing to note about Corelle is that their mugs are not made from Vitrelle, they are regular, ceramic mugs, so Corelle is only good for plates and bowls.**
Duralex
Duralex is clear, tempered dishware and glassware that has been made in France since 1939 and continues to be made in France today. Durelex makes and array of products out of their tempered glass, from bowls, to plates, to glasses, to bakeware. All of their products are classic and elegant. Their products are freezer-safe, heat-resistant (so you are less likely to be burned by a hot plate), and most of their products are stackable. Duralex can be bought from their online store or at Sur La Table (online or brick-and-mortar stores).
Metal (various brands)
Stainless steel or copper plates/tumblers is another option for break-resistant (break-proof?!) dishware and glassware. Metal dishware is a popular choice in India. For those of us used to glass or ceramic dishware, it can be a very enjoyable change to switch to metal. One important downside to metal is that it is not microwave-safe. Metal dishware and tumblers can be found at some Asian grocery stores. There are also American versions such as the items you can find at such eco-retailers like Life Without Plastic. Metal dishware and tumblers can vary between being very simple and practical looking to being downright beautiful.
*I would like to acknowledge that there are other ways to be more sustainable with dishware and glassware, such as choosing to buy what's available from a thrift shop.
** Update: I forgot to mention that Corelle Livingware also sells lids for their bowls, making them instant tupperware!
Dropping a dish or a glass in the kitchen and watching it shatter seems to be a rite-of-passage to being human. How many pieces a person breaks in a given year or decade can vary; with the naturally clumsy needing to either replace their dishware set on a regular basis or live with an array of mismatched cups, plates, and bowls accumulated over the years.
Another problem with dishware is it is often sold in sets with pre-determined numbers of each piece and in styles that do not stand the test of time. Companies that produce classic styles, where you can buy the pieces individually to meet your own needs, is much better for the zero waste and minimalist lifestyle.
For those wanting to invest in dishware and glassware that will likely last their whole life, I would like to showcase three options*. And one of the options is actually widely available and not so expensive!
Corelle Livingware
Corelle Livingware has been around since the 1970's. It is made from a special kind of tempered glass called Vitrelle. Corelle dishware is very thin and stackable, making it a great choice if you don't want your dishware to take up a lot of space. Winter Frost White is the most timeless style sold by Corelle, and you should be able to buy replacement items in that style many years in the future. Corelle can be bought in sets or as individual pieces. Corelle is very affordable and can be bought from World Kitchen, or Target. Both World Kitchen and Target have Corelle available to buy online or in brick-and-mortar stores. One important thing to note about Corelle is that their mugs are not made from Vitrelle, they are regular, ceramic mugs, so Corelle is only good for plates and bowls.**
Duralex
Duralex is clear, tempered dishware and glassware that has been made in France since 1939 and continues to be made in France today. Durelex makes and array of products out of their tempered glass, from bowls, to plates, to glasses, to bakeware. All of their products are classic and elegant. Their products are freezer-safe, heat-resistant (so you are less likely to be burned by a hot plate), and most of their products are stackable. Duralex can be bought from their online store or at Sur La Table (online or brick-and-mortar stores).
Metal (various brands)
Stainless steel or copper plates/tumblers is another option for break-resistant (break-proof?!) dishware and glassware. Metal dishware is a popular choice in India. For those of us used to glass or ceramic dishware, it can be a very enjoyable change to switch to metal. One important downside to metal is that it is not microwave-safe. Metal dishware and tumblers can be found at some Asian grocery stores. There are also American versions such as the items you can find at such eco-retailers like Life Without Plastic. Metal dishware and tumblers can vary between being very simple and practical looking to being downright beautiful.
*I would like to acknowledge that there are other ways to be more sustainable with dishware and glassware, such as choosing to buy what's available from a thrift shop.
** Update: I forgot to mention that Corelle Livingware also sells lids for their bowls, making them instant tupperware!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Ten Tips For Preventing Bacterial Growth In Your DIY Beauty Products
Tags: Health
One of the benefits of commercial health and beauty products is that they contain ingredients that prevent bacteria from running wild. But don't fret, there are several ways to prevent bacterial growth when making and using your own DIY beauty products. Here are my ten tips that follow the process of making and using homemade products.
1. Distilled Water
Some recipes include water as an ingredient. Distilled water is the only kind of water that should be used in these cases. You can buy distilled water in most grocery and department stores that sell gallon jugs of water. Tap water, even purified tap water, contains some microorganisms. These microorganisms can multiply when they are mixed with something they like to eat and let to sit at room temperature for many days. This is basically what you are doing when making DIY products.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties. Try to use coconut oil as a main ingredient in your recipes as much as possible.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) also has antimicrobial properties. This is something that can be added to your recipes to help prevent bacterial growth. The recipe only needs to be two percent GSE.
4. Small Batches
Make your products in small batches so that they run out before bacteria has a chance to cause problems. It depends on the product, but a two week supply is a good rule-of-thumb.
5. Clean, Air-Tight Containers
Containers you store your product in should be clean and air-tight.
6. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Making
When making your products, wash your hands or wear gloves. Also avoid touching ingredients with your bare hands or with dirty utensils.
8. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Using
Once you've made your product and put it in its container, avoid touching it directly. If it's a in a squeezable tube, this should be easy. For balms and small amounts of powder, use a clean utensil, like the end of a makeup brush (that you wash after each use) to scoop out some of the product. If it's a larger amount of powder, pour some of it out onto a clean working surface.
9. Refrigeration
If you keep your products in the refrigerator, they will last longer! One month is a good rule-of-thumb for products you are actively using. Refrigeration can also be a good plan for storing bulk ingredients that you use to make your products. For example, aloe vera gel can last a year in the refrigerator.
10. Smell It
Periodically smell your product. If it has a funny smell, toss it!
One of the benefits of commercial health and beauty products is that they contain ingredients that prevent bacteria from running wild. But don't fret, there are several ways to prevent bacterial growth when making and using your own DIY beauty products. Here are my ten tips that follow the process of making and using homemade products.
1. Distilled Water
Some recipes include water as an ingredient. Distilled water is the only kind of water that should be used in these cases. You can buy distilled water in most grocery and department stores that sell gallon jugs of water. Tap water, even purified tap water, contains some microorganisms. These microorganisms can multiply when they are mixed with something they like to eat and let to sit at room temperature for many days. This is basically what you are doing when making DIY products.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties. Try to use coconut oil as a main ingredient in your recipes as much as possible.
3. Grapefruit Seed Extract
Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) also has antimicrobial properties. This is something that can be added to your recipes to help prevent bacterial growth. The recipe only needs to be two percent GSE.
4. Small Batches
Make your products in small batches so that they run out before bacteria has a chance to cause problems. It depends on the product, but a two week supply is a good rule-of-thumb.
5. Clean, Air-Tight Containers
Containers you store your product in should be clean and air-tight.
6. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Making
When making your products, wash your hands or wear gloves. Also avoid touching ingredients with your bare hands or with dirty utensils.
8. Avoid Cross-Contamination When Using
Once you've made your product and put it in its container, avoid touching it directly. If it's a in a squeezable tube, this should be easy. For balms and small amounts of powder, use a clean utensil, like the end of a makeup brush (that you wash after each use) to scoop out some of the product. If it's a larger amount of powder, pour some of it out onto a clean working surface.
9. Refrigeration
If you keep your products in the refrigerator, they will last longer! One month is a good rule-of-thumb for products you are actively using. Refrigeration can also be a good plan for storing bulk ingredients that you use to make your products. For example, aloe vera gel can last a year in the refrigerator.
10. Smell It
Periodically smell your product. If it has a funny smell, toss it!
Sunday, October 4, 2015
My Favorite Books About Minimalism That Don't Have "Minimalism" in Their Titles
Tags: Minimalism; Zero Waste
For whatever reason, my favorite books with minimalism themes do not come from the traditional minimalism genre that is sweeping the nation right now. I bet there are a lot of books out there that have a minimalism theme that one would not find by using the search term "minimalism". Here are four that I have stumble upon, in alphabetical order:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson
For whatever reason, my favorite books with minimalism themes do not come from the traditional minimalism genre that is sweeping the nation right now. I bet there are a lot of books out there that have a minimalism theme that one would not find by using the search term "minimalism". Here are four that I have stumble upon, in alphabetical order:
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz
Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste by Bea Johnson
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